eMaxx Assurance Group of Companieshttps://www.emaxxgroup.com
A Diversified Holding CompanyWed, 03 Jun 2020 14:14:59 +0000en-US
hourly
1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.3Best Practices for Today and Tomorrowhttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/03/best-practices-for-today-and-tomorrow/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/03/best-practices-for-today-and-tomorrow/#respondWed, 03 Jun 2020 13:00:52 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14698Maximize employee safety and wellness initiatives through a behavior-based safety process as part of an employee recognition program. At the time of this writing, we are well into the COVID-19 global pandemic, the likes of which none of us has experienced. Daily routines have been altered substantially, and if projections hold, the changes we are facing at work and home may be with us for some time. With great hope we look forward to a time beyond social distancing and furloughed workers and hope that by the time you read this, the situation will be much improved.

Maximize employee safety and wellness initiatives through a behavior-based safety process as part of an employee recognition program.

At the time of this writing, we are well into the COVID-19 global pandemic, the likes of which none of us has experienced. Daily routines have been altered substantially, and if projections hold, the changes we are facing at work and home may be with us for some time. With great hope we look forward to a time beyond social distancing and furloughed workers and hope that by the time you read this, the situation will be much improved.

Life-altering circumstances bring about renewed emphasis on policy, procedure and practice—and cause us to focus on methods and systems, especially when the safety and well-being of our team is at stake. As more knowledge is gained about COVID-19, more resources become available which provide guidance for critical infrastructure organizations, essential businesses and their personnel. Working though practical solutions and adhering to such guidance will increase the prospects for a resolution to this pandemic, and the lessons learned will benefit everyone in the future.

Two Become One

As many safety practitioners are aware, safe and healthy behaviors away from the job are just as important as those in the workplace. We advise and encourage all clients to include Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, for such behaviors and stress their importance. This need is front and center during present times of economic and social crisis.

COVID-19 has not only forced changes in the way we think about safety and wellness; it has also caused companies and organizations to assess the methods and practices necessary to drive engagement and meaningful participation. This is especially critical today, when as many employees as possible are working remotely. Telecommuting is nothing new—but the number of associates working remotely is unprecedented.

The potential negative impact of this is two-fold. First, those who are now forced to work remotely are having to adjust to a daily routine away from the workplace. Productivity will decrease until they become accustomed to working a different way. Systems may need to be enhanced or developed in order to accommodate the new way of working. Second, those who are unable to work remotely are asked to do more because the number of onsite personnel is reduced. With this comes the potential for increased workplace stress and injuries.

The COVID-19 pandemic adds a new layer of challenges, causing us to think about safety and wellness as one concern—one that equally emphasizes safe and healthy behaviors at work and at home. Just as the purpose of any safety initiative is to drive and reinforce safe behaviors so that the employee can return home to the family at the end of work, the reverse is just as important.

Behaviors critical to reducing exposure are important, whether at work or at home, so stressing these behaviors becomes paramount. Social distancing and hygiene behaviors like those recommended by the CDC can be enforced at work, but employees may behave differently when away.

The CDC recommends the following behaviors to curtail exposure to COVID-19:

Practice social distancing as much as possible (maintain six feet separation)

Message frequency and consistency will compound effectiveness, so use all means possible to communicate with your remote and onsite associates. If your business is in the service sector and your employees have contact with customers or patrons, this is even more critical due to an increased potential for exposure.

One Becomes Two

While a unified (work and away) strategy is important for increasing engagement and driving safe behaviors, there is also an important two-dimensional aspect to consider. The first is your current safety and wellness program (in place prior to the COVID-19 outbreak). Safety goals and objectives have not been suspended because of the pandemic and are just as critical today as before. Emphasis on those goals must be maintained through all circumstances, and this is made more difficult by a dispersed workforce. The second is the new COVID-19 related requirements which must also be emphasized and enforced.

Angelica Grindle, Ph.D. provides a perfect example in a recent article for foodsafetytech.com titled Control Exposure to COVID-19. “Safety is defined as controlling exposure for self and others. Going into 2020, the food industry battled safety concerns such as slips and falls, knife cuts, soft-tissue injuries, etc.,” Grindle said. “As an ‘essential industry,’ food-related organizations now face a unique challenge in controlling exposure to COVID-19. Not only must they keep their facilities clean and employees safe, they must also ensure that they do not create additional exposures for their suppliers or customers.”

Grindle goes on to mention that these challenges increase while employees may be distracted by stress, financial uncertainty, job insecurity and health concerns for themselves and their families. These new factors are true for the food industry and others, too.

Looking to the Future

One of the most effective ways to maximize employee safety and wellness initiatives is to utilize a behavior-based safety process as part of a comprehensive employee recognition program. These programs provide a central point for establishing, reinforcing and communicating core values, goals and objectives.

Research has consistently shown a positive, progressive link between employee recognition, employee engagement and company performance. Such programs should be designed to support, reinforce and amplify current (and new) policies, procedures and core values.

Several elements are critical for success:

clearly defined and communicated policies and procedures

safety guidelines by job type and responsibility

clear procedures for reporting near misses, unsafe conditions or conduct

the means to develop solutions to workplace hazards

safety gear and established policies and procedures for its use

safe operating guidelines and procedures for equipment and vehicles

Communicating core values is essential, especially for today’s workforce in today’s pandemic. According to Glassdoor, culture and values are the top considerations in what matters most to employees. In fact, 65 percent of millennials consider culture before salary when it comes to job satisfaction, and 52 percent of those of 45 years or older feel the same way. A comprehensive employee safety and recognition program is a powerful vehicle that can deliver and sustain that message.

Finally, clients who have invested in a behavior-based, comprehensive employee safety and recognition program are able to use them very effectively in providing much-needed appreciation and positive reinforcement to their employees and their families. These programs are proving their worth in the current crisis and will continue to play a vital role when the economy and social conditions are healthy again.

While the only way to the other side of this crisis is through it, we can (and must) be practical in the present, consistent in our message and focused on the future.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/03/best-practices-for-today-and-tomorrow/feed/0Technology Steps Up to the COVID-19 Crisishttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/02/technology-steps-up-to-the-covid-19-crisis/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/02/technology-steps-up-to-the-covid-19-crisis/#respondTue, 02 Jun 2020 13:00:34 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14694As trucking companies across the country deal with shelter-in-place orders during the coronavirus pandemic, one key strategy has been to have as many people as possible work from home. Company executives, dispatchers, and driver managers at fleets big and small are making use of existing technological tools in their offices and vehicles to adapt, with loads continuing to be booked and trucks dispatched.

As trucking companies across the country deal with shelter-in-place orders during the coronavirus pandemic, one key strategy has been to have as many people as possible work from home. Company executives, dispatchers, and driver managers at fleets big and small are making use of existing technological tools in their offices and vehicles to adapt, with loads continuing to be booked and trucks dispatched.

Many products are web-based solutions, according to Jenna Dobrovolny, director of product management mobility at Trimble Transportation, noting that the ability to work remotely has always been a part of this trend.

At Werner Enterprises, about 60% of the staff locations are working remotely, and while the percentages vary, many transportation companies are following suit, including brokers.

Playing a Key Role

Telematics systems also play a key role in allowing office workers to work remotely, by automating dispatching, driver/vehicle monitoring, GPS, and hours-of-service compliance. Fleets gain even more benefit when these are coupled with safety devices such as in-cab cameras, lane departure control, collision avoidance systems, and cargo monitors.

“Telematics solutions are vital in the current situation,” said Jonathan Bates, head of global market at MiX Telematics. “A fleet can only take care of safety if it knows what is happening every second of every day with its drivers and vehicles.”

Many of the safety systems fleets use can also be accessed remotely. For example, Nauto’s in-cab camera system allows safety personnel to work from home, allowing them to give feedback using the apps web portal, according to Nauto CEO Stefan Heck.

Analyzing the vast amount of data telematics systems collect is perhaps more essential now than ever, according to Ray Greer, CEO of Omnitracs.

“This unprecedented disruption means that drivers and fleets need to be much more reliant on real-time data from all tiers of the distribution model,” said Greer in a recent statement. “Real-time routing and rerouting will be crucial in ensuring timely delivery of anything from basic goods to protective gear.”

For Those Not Working Remotely

Not all trucking personnel can work from home, though, and technology can help in these situations, as well.

“What we have found, when it comes to dispatch systems, [is that] IT teams have been able to get this done easily so those people can work from home,” said Brian Belcher, chief operation officer at Vector, which provides automated document digitization software. “But there is a lot of discussion about how to keep drivers safe, and it’s super challenging for the billing people. These are critical roles to keep a business running.”

As are shop personnel, and you can’t service a truck from home. But digitized paperwork and automated workflows can support these teams, and many technology vendors have long offered products that do just that.

“We started distancing years ago when we rolled out our DVIR,” said Fred Fakkema, vice president of safety and compliance at Zonar Systems.

Automated digital vehicle inspection reports and their related apps do not require technicians to interact with drivers regarding noted problems or defects, or directly report whether or not any problems have been fixed. All the DVIR information is automatically uploaded to the shop’s management system, which can automatically generate parts lists and work orders to eliminate even more paper.

Of course, the initial goal of these products was to help fleets become more efficient and reduce the time to invoice.

“All of a sudden we are seeing new benefits,” Belcher said. “No one would have thought we would see this when we started.”

New Apps in a Trying Time

Other technology providers have introduced new apps specifically tailored to the current crisis. Trimble Maps’ Safe Havens app allows drivers to check their planned route, the weather along the way, and which rest locations have truck parking, amenities, and other services. The app also gives users the option to layer in traffic, weather, and COVID-19 cases in a given geographic area – providing further context to help drivers stay safe and efficient on the road, said Glenn Williams, vice president of product management at Trimble Transportation.

Williams also highlighted applications provided by the company’s technology partners that are helping drivers by reducing face-to-face interactions. For example, the Drivewyze scale bypass system allows the electronic transfer of log information and scale bypass clearance in many states, eliminating face-to-face contact between the driver and commercial enforcement officers.

Verizon Connect continues to update its Navigation mobile app with information on open truck stops and hours of operation to help the long-haul truck drivers who encounter rest stop closures. The team checks for updates at the state level, as well as with the departments of transportation and chains like Pilot and TA. This information is added to the system every night to help drivers find open stations and stops where they can rest and fill up their gas tanks.

Transflow also recently introduced a suite of free digital tools to provide drivers and fleets information on how to safeguard driver health and keep supply chains moving during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. These include an information repository, a driver sharing app, and an app that includes information about how to integrate document scanning, truck stop locators, and CAT scale applications on a driver’s mobile device.

Trucker Tools, which provides applications for brokers, recently waived overage fees for its visibility platform. The fee waiver will be in effect for 60 days. The company also announced a mobile driver app that provides a clearinghouse for information and resources.

These are just a few of the examples of how technology can help fleets operate safely and efficiently through the COVID-19 pandemic – and beyond.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/02/technology-steps-up-to-the-covid-19-crisis/feed/0Will COVID-19 Give Telematics New Life?https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/02/will-covid-19-give-telematics-new-life/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/02/will-covid-19-give-telematics-new-life/#respondTue, 02 Jun 2020 13:00:13 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14689Source: Karen Pauli Over the past several weeks, there have been numerous aerial photos of some of the nation’s largest highway systems – devoid of vehicles. The sight of tens of miles of ramps, junctions and straightaways with no visible cars is startling, almost a made-for-Hollywood view. But COVID-19 has taken a huge percentage of people […]

Over the past several weeks, there have been numerous aerial photos of some of the nation’s largest highway systems – devoid of vehicles. The sight of tens of miles of ramps, junctions and straightaways with no visible cars is startling, almost a made-for-Hollywood view. But COVID-19 has taken a huge percentage of people out of their vehicles, leaving their cars idle in driveways and garages. Given that vehicle usage is a fundamental and historical rating factor – a predictor of accident frequency – one could conjecture that telematics might be heading toward a new and shining position within the industry.

There are several points for insurers to consider.

A huge percentage of businesses that have never had a home-based workforce have been compelled to have one due to stay-at-home advisories. Published interviews indicate that company executives across all industries believe the experience with COVID-19 will change the nature of work even faster than anticipated. More workers will be home-based either permanently or part-time. Will a greater percentage of consumers see the value of usage-based, telematics-driven insurance, given that their vehicles will be idle for greater periods? Insurers need to be prepared for this outcome.

Insurers that have yet to commit to telematics programs may well be feeling the strain of not doing so. Many of the largest auto insurers have announced they will refund portions of automobile premiums due to the precipitous decline in miles driven. In particular, Allstate knows, through its telematics programs, that driving has declined by 35% to 50% in terms of miles. This makes the company’s refund program much more fact-based. Clearly, there is significant customer goodwill value in making refunds voluntarily. But what if regulators require insurers to do this across the board? Without telematics data, determining refunds is much more of a guess. And no insurer likes guessing. For the long term, telematics data can facilitate a smooth communication process between insurers and regulators on a number of levels, and this is a good thing.

From a claims perspective, adjusting losses in a time where staying home is the norm is a huge challenge. There are a number of technologies that insurers are using to compensate, most prominently DIY photo-estimating. In some cases, insurers are rolling out technologies that were in limited tests to cover the gap in face-to-face adjusting practices. However, sophisticated telematics devices can detect crash damage and relay crash information automatically, eliminating the DIY step and improving accuracy. While there is a fervent hope that we never again have to self-quarantine due to a pandemic, there is significant value in getting sensor-based, telematics crash information directly from point of impact.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/06/02/will-covid-19-give-telematics-new-life/feed/0How Rethinking Creativity Can Drive Clarity and Positivity In Today’s Complex Workplacehttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/27/how-rethinking-creativity-can-drive-clarity-and-positivity-in-todays-complex-workplace/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/27/how-rethinking-creativity-can-drive-clarity-and-positivity-in-todays-complex-workplace/#respondWed, 27 May 2020 13:00:43 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14681Getting comfortable with uncertainty during "normal" times has always been hard. But the COVID-19 pandemic has really put us all on edge and challenged us to evaluate how flexible and comfortable we really are with uncertainty.

Getting comfortable with uncertainty during “normal” times has always been hard. But the COVID-19 pandemic has really put us all on edge and challenged us to evaluate how flexible and comfortable we really are with uncertainty.

Over a period of weeks, we have seen leadership in action that is heartwarming with adjusted employee benefits, enhanced safety regulations and clear, empathetic communication. We have also seen disappointing leadership in action with abrupt layoffs, the absence of clear guidance and communication and decision-making focused on self-survival.

I have spoken with many leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, educators and professionals who want to be more forward-thinking and courageous in their workplaces. Yet they are unsure of how to do so when the stakes — and emotions — are so high.

As someone devoted to understanding creativity in the workplace, I want to share a few insights for how rethinking creativity can be a game changer for navigating this time and the many uncertainties that lie ahead.

We become what we consume.

When you understand that your brain is like a sponge when it comes to consuming media, you start to assess how you are spending your energy and how it can directly impact what you are feeling and processing. Just like your physical body is influenced by exercise, sleep and nutrition, your creative muscles are influenced by what you read, watch, talk about and even daydream about.

Knowing this at the outset, I knew that the more media I consumed, the more upset, hopeless and angry I might feel. Since I can’t control what my colleagues say or what my social media friends share, I started taking small steps to monitor what I was consuming. I sought out friends who I knew were optimistic, forward-thinking and were exploring how they could grow from this pandemic. These interactions lifted my spirits and influenced how I viewed my own work in the changing landscape. I also scheduled time each day to read books, watch documentaries and listen to talks to give me a positive boost of creativity. I even started an interview series to learn how my friends and colleagues from all over the world are positively processing this time. Jim Rohn is often credited with saying, “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” So, the question is, how can you shift your energy and surround yourself with positive people in order to stay creative and courageous?

My curiosity can lead me to reframe my thinking.

Being curious is critical to being creative. So whenever I feel stuck or unsure of how to process something, I use the phrases “I wonder…” or “I noticed…” to reframe my thinking into a curious approach. With COVID-19, I found it even more helpful to use this as my guide to stay curious and to learn with each interaction or observation. For instance, a disagreement with a colleague over email turns into “I wonder why this is making me upset?” A trigger I felt from a social media post turned into “I noticed how his message upset me.” This reframing helped me powerfully transform any moment into an opportunity for learning and growth. It became an exercise in resilience and helped me focus on staying curious and creative — instead of impulsive, overly emotional, or in some cases, hopeless.

Innovation is meant to be messy.

When creating something new there is no blueprint. Each and every path to innovation and creativity is different and can be messy. Knowing that there is no one right way to bring your idea to life can feel both liberating and scary. What really matters is how you steer through the messy road. This is why identifying your strengths, weaknesses, constraints and resources are critical to your innovative success. For instance, you may not control the budget or timeline, but perhaps you can control who joins your team.

During COVID-19, whenever I felt stuck I would go back to this insight to focus on my knowns, unknowns, resources and constraints. This helps me define how I prioritize my day, how I communicate and how I set milestones that are reachable instead of setting myself up for failure. I cannot control how long it will take to create an effective and safe vaccine, but I can control what type of content I create and share with my community, and what types of programs I build to help others build their creative skills.

In short, rethinking creativity in the workplace is understanding how to rewire the way you think, and create, in order to be more open-minded, flexible and able to see possibilities when others see only pandemic-driven constraints.

This is why in my work, I emphasize that the best forms of creativity stem from your ability to understand how the way you choose to think influences every outcome. Our mindset is powerful. Whether it’s a pandemic, the Fourth Industrial Revolution or other complex issues that arise in the workplace, change — and chaos — is inevitable. It’s critical that we can reframe the way we navigate this uncertainty by harnessing the power of creativity.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/27/how-rethinking-creativity-can-drive-clarity-and-positivity-in-todays-complex-workplace/feed/05 Tips for Team Management in Trying Timeshttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/25/5-tips-for-team-management-in-trying-times/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/25/5-tips-for-team-management-in-trying-times/#respondMon, 25 May 2020 13:00:53 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14684There’s no doubt the coronavirus pandemic is testing us all, both personally and professionally. Every business and every person is experiencing the repercussions of this situation in their own way. We are all navigating through unpredictable times with no playbook at hand. As leaders, we are not only making strategic business decisions; we are setting the tone for how our companies are handling this uncertainty.

There’s no doubt the coronavirus pandemic is testing us all, both personally and professionally. Every business and every person is experiencing the repercussions of this situation in their own way. We are all navigating through unpredictable times with no playbook at hand. As leaders, we are not only making strategic business decisions; we are setting the tone for how our companies are handling this uncertainty.

I’ve always felt confident in my team and been grateful to work with such talented people, but they have truly blown me away the past couple of months. Their dedication, innovation, optimism, collaboration, patience, professionalism, humanity … everything. Throughout my years as a manager, I’ve genuinely never been more proud of a staff. We’re making things happen to keep our business relevant in this new reality and position us for optimum success once things level out. And the way we’re going about it is strengthening our team dynamic exponentially. Yes, I felt compelled to write this to express my immense appreciation for my team. But I also wanted to highlight a few specific actions I believe are contributing to these notable outputs.

Stay calm.

Don’t panic — or at least work through your panic behind closed doors, if you need to. All we can do in this situation is take the changes and challenges in stride, and focus on moving forward. Contingencies are important, but endless “what if” spirals are detrimental to decision-making and morale. Identify what you can do and start making moves. By operating from a solution-oriented perspective, your mind is cleared up to think strategically and creatively. A rational demeanor will be evident (even remotely) and will set the tone for the team.

Assemble task forces.

In any unexpected situation, including COVID-19, individual responsibilities and departmental priorities shift pretty quickly. Certain skills become more essential, and employees may end up working closely with team members they may not have worked with previously in order to react to changes in the business.

With things moving rapidly, I’ve found Slack to be the most efficient for real-time updates, brainstorming, requesting information and even obtaining approvals or consensus. I have a few of these virtual working groups heavily active at the moment. I view them ask task forces. Not only do these new cross-team groups provide a diversity of expertise and knowledge, they also foster a sense of ownership. Seeing firsthand that your individual contributions matter and are being put into action is empowering and can encourage employees to keep thinking outside the box.

Empathize.

Now more than ever, it is clear that we are all human. We all have fears and challenges related to this pandemic, we all have lives outside of the office, we’ve all adopted “athleisure” as the new WFH business casual.… This is the time for leaders to tap into our compassion, patience and humanity, and understand each person is likely doing their best within their physical, mental and emotional parameters. Early on in the crisis, I made it a point to speak directly with everyone, and gauge attitudes and opinions, to help create an informed foundation from which to work. As with most personnel best practices, understanding people’s circumstances takes more investment up front, but it pays off in the form of efficiency, productivity and mutual respect.

The power of face-to-face interaction can’t be underestimated during trying times in general, whether you’re dealing with a remote work environment or other challenges. We’re doing everything via videoconference now, and it’s cultivated a team dynamic beyond what we had even when we were working side by side in the office. Everyone is in their own unique position when it comes to the stay-at-home protocol, and some people may feel much more isolated than others; video calls offer some much needed human connection.

Communicate.

Across the globe and across all industries, business strategies have inevitably shifted. So much is in flux, and the landscape is different from one day to the next. It is management’s responsibility to identify current priorities, relay those to the broader team and help guide individual work as priorities shift. Especially now in our remote workplaces, directional changes can get miscommunicated or not communicated at all. I’d urge leaders to err on the side of even more transparency than before in an effort to foster teamwork and a feeling of ownership. I’ve personally seen increased dedication and problem-solving from the team after they were made aware of the bold, forward-looking actions we were taking at the executive level. We really are in this together, and now is the time to convey that authentically and often.

To make sure you’re reaching everybody with key messages, you’ll likely be repeating the same points during every internal meeting for a while. You’ll be reiterating objectives and priority projects via Slack or whatever other platform you use. It may seem like a lot to you, but keep in mind that most others are only receiving this information once or twice, and digitally at that. Try to keep your (now digital) door open for questions, ideas or other conversations.

Prepare for the future.

No matter how innovative and nimble a company is, we’re all going to experience a temporary slowdown in one way or another. This time period will affect various departments differently — some team members may just end up with less to execute in this moment. That does not mean they can’t be extremely valuable. Now is a prime time to think about big, strategic work we often push off in favor of more urgent projects. Maybe you have the starting point of an idea that needs to be fleshed out. Perhaps certain departments should take the time for strategy meetings to identify key goals for 2021 and beyond.

We each have a choice as to how to react to challenging situations like this. From the beginning, my team demonstrated immediate proactivity, teamwork, ownership and optimism. I’ve been seeing smart judgment calls, as well as thoughtful research and recommendations. I’m proud of our response and more confident than ever in our level of dedication to driving our mission forward. By remaining calm and measured, activating task force groups, leading with compassion and communicating clearly, I believe many more of us can realize similar team growth.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/25/5-tips-for-team-management-in-trying-times/feed/0Have a Safe & Happy Memorial Day Weekendhttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/23/have-a-safe-happy-memorial-day-weekend/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/23/have-a-safe-happy-memorial-day-weekend/#respondSat, 23 May 2020 13:00:52 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14674Remember and Honor all who served our country during the Memorial Day weekend.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/23/have-a-safe-happy-memorial-day-weekend/feed/010 Reopening Actions Every Employer Is Being Urged To Take By Safety Expertshttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/22/10-reopening-actions-every-employer-is-being-urged-to-take-by-safety-experts/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/22/10-reopening-actions-every-employer-is-being-urged-to-take-by-safety-experts/#respondFri, 22 May 2020 13:00:35 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14667Every employer needs to take 10 actions to reopen safely, the National Safety Council says in a report released today.

The recommendations are based on best practices established by the Safe Actions for Employee Returns (SAFER) Task Force, created by the Council in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health – Commit to supporting the mental and emotional health of your workers by sharing support resources and policies

Training – Train leaders and supervisors not only on the fundamentals of safety such as risk assessment and hazard recognition, but also on the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing, as employees will feel the effects of the pandemic long after it is over

Engagement Plan – Notify employees in advance of the return to work, and consider categorizing workers into different groups based on job roles – bringing groups back one at a time

Communication – Develop a communications plan to be open and transparent with workers on your return to work process

Assessment – Outline the main factors your organization is using as guidance to provide a simplistic structure to the extremely complex return to work decision

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/19/osha-covid-19-guidelines/feed/0Business Reopening: COVID-19 Safety Guidehttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/19/business-reopening-covid-19-safety-guide/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/19/business-reopening-covid-19-safety-guide/#respondTue, 19 May 2020 13:00:37 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14664View Source Depending on what type of business you have and what strategies you need to do to get back to normal, reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is the most important part when reopening your business. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Local & States government with few recorded cases started to set timelines […]

Depending on what type of business you have and what strategies you need to do to get back to normal, reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is the most important part when reopening your business. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Local & States government with few recorded cases started to set timelines for lifting COVID-19 stay at home orders. Businesses that have been closed down are thinking ahead to what their operations might look amidst COVID-19.

Many business establishments limit their operations or even stop for a month, and getting back to normal is a challenge they need to face.

Depending on what type of business you have and what strategies you need to do to get back to normal, reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is the most important part when reopening your business.

Here is the list of Safety Guides when reopening your business amidst of COVID-19.

Follow CDC Health and Safety Procedures

Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency that conducts and supports health promotion, prevention, and preparedness activities in the United States.

CDC provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfection practices intended for all people living in America, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your home.

Implement Work Rules

As a business owner, your main concern is the safety of your employees and customers. Hence, all business establishments must develop plans, Implement, Maintain, and revise plans before reopening to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on-premises.

Here are some ideas to keep your business COVID-19 free.

Display posters promoting proper personal hygiene.

Implement “Clean As You Go” Policy.

Limit physical contact like handshaking and hugging.

Reorganize gathering areas to minimize social interactions.

Hand sanitizers, alcohols, and any other safety equipment must be available across all premises.

Mandatory wearing of face masks.

Social distancing.

Limit the number of people in a closed room.

Avoid sharing personal belongings and devices.

Offer service from a distance.

Stay at home when you are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Send Notice, Safety Guidelines, Work Rules to Employees

Once CDC procedures are followed, your local and state government will give permission and provide guidelines. Important information must be shared with all employees before going back to work.

Sending notice to employees and explaining that all business personnel would follow CDC procedures for enhanced cleaning, wearing of facial covering, hand washing, proper prevention hygiene & social distancing.

Also, the notice should include health and safety guidelines for employees, guests, personal hygiene reminders, and rules for deliveries and in-home visits.

Frequent Communication with Your Employees

Business meetings and gatherings aren’t allowed during a stressful time like this. However, frequent communication with your employees will put them at ease and show them that you know what’s going on.

Business owners must develop a plan on how to communicate effectively with their employees on any COVID-19 updates, work schedules, and employee’s health conditions.

Employee Daily Health Check

Develop a plan for monitoring your employee’s health that is focusing on COVID-19 symptoms. People who have COVID-19 have common signs and symptoms of;

Fever

Cough

Tiredness

Other symptoms can include:

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Muscle aches

Chills

Sore throat

Loss of taste or smell

Headache

Chest pain

Knowing your health condition is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, employees who are sick must inform their employers and must stay at home.

For employers with trained medical professionals or non-medical personnel who went proper training, temperature scanning is a good idea.

Personnel who will conduct scanning must be properly trained, with proper protective equipment, and must have an understanding of confidentiality considerations.

If one of your employees is showing symptoms, Employers, or trained medical professionals are legally allowed to ask about COVID-19 symptoms. But, never ask about symptoms of any other conditions.

Communication with State and Local Health Authorities

It is the legal obligation of the employers & employees to communicate to their local health authorities if they know someone from their establishment who’s positive with COVID-19 Illness.

Be Knowledgeable, Updated and Alert

Be updated and alert by visiting government portals such as CDC and World Health Organization that provide reputable and reliable sources about COVID-19 updates.

Once your planning and preparation are complete, it’s time to execute your reopening strategy into motion.

]]>https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/19/business-reopening-covid-19-safety-guide/feed/0How Telematics Aid Fleet Management During a Global Crisishttps://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/15/how-telematics-aid-fleet-management-during-a-global-crisis/
https://www.emaxxgroup.com/2020/05/15/how-telematics-aid-fleet-management-during-a-global-crisis/#respondFri, 15 May 2020 13:00:32 +0000https://www.emaxxgroup.com/?p=14648In times of global crisis, the world relies on the trucking industry to transport essential items across the country. From medical supplies to restocking the shelves at local grocery stores, truck drivers play an integral role in maintaining the supply chain. In order to keep these essential items moving during the Covid-19 crisis, the Department of Transportation has suspended most of the hours of service regulations for those trucks that are transporting these essential goods.

In times of global crisis, the world relies on the trucking industry to transport essential items across the country. From medical supplies to restocking the shelves at local grocery stores, truck drivers play an integral role in maintaining the supply chain. In order to keep these essential items moving during the Covid-19 crisis, the Department of Transportation has suspended most of the hours of service regulations for those trucks that are transporting these essential goods.

Commercial truck drivers have had their driving hours extended from 11 to 14 hours depending on the goods being carried. With so much going on and so many depending on trucking and freight transportation organizations during this global crisis, fleet managers and owners need to be extremely organized to handle current and future industry needs. With that in mind, here are a few ways in which you can keep track of your fleet during a time of heightened demand and uncertainty:

Communication is key

The visibility that essential telematics technology brings can be incredibly helpful. Being able to stay in constant communication with your drivers via messaging and dedicated contact forms—as well as knowing their locations at all times—allows fleet managers to make informed decisions. With things being so hectic right now, knowing where your assets are, who is available for the next load, who is nearest to the depots, and who has encountered longer detention times is critical in a time when efficiently maintaining your fleet on the road is more important than ever.

Most likely due to shelter-in-place orders reducing the traffic overall, many of the states experiencing the highest level of Covid-19 spread are seeing a reduction in travel times for drivers. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), freight trucks are clocking faster times overall in these areas, particularly in regularly congested areas. That being said, because of additional route changes, border regulations and detention delays, freight is taking much longer to transport. Having access to accurate telematics and open lines of communication with drivers will be key in planning and tracking routes.

Documentation should continue

While logs are not mandatory to be kept while under the Federal Emergency Declaration, continuing to make notes and annotate the daily log with the reason for non-compliance is a good practice. This will make sure that logs are current when the emergency declaration is lifted. It’s a good idea to integrate a route planner or add-on the service if it isn’t included by your telematics provider to facilitate the planning of loads and tasks. With so much on the fleet manager’s plate and the additional hours drivers are logging, any opportunity for automation should be embraced.

Driver safety

For all fleet managers, the safety of your drivers should be the top priority. The DOT hours of service regulations are there for a reason. The guidelines, of course, are there to make sure that drivers are not being overtaxed, reducing the possibility of accidents. Giving your team ample time to rest before taking the next load is imperative. And while its required that drivers receive at least 10 consecutive hours off if they let their company know they need immediate rest, they may be inclined to push themselves given the current situation, feeling a responsibility to their fleet manager and the community at large.

Plus, with people practicing social distancing, it’s likely there will be an uptick in e-commerce purchases, adding additional strain to fleet capacity. A fleet tracking tool will allow managers to review driver’s time, how often they have completed a 14-hour shift, and allow for properly scheduled rest periods to avoid exhaustion and potential accidents.

Track maintenance

While drivers are putting in the extra miles, so are their rigs! Keeping track of oil changes, tire rotation and other regular maintenance items can keep your drivers and trucks safely on the road. While you may think a global crisis is not the time to stop for regular maintenance, these quick care items are much easier and more cost effective to complete than larger complications they could cause going unaddressed. An oil change can help engines run more efficiently and reduce a fleet’s cost per mile. Taking time to examine tires could reveal a small leak or puncture which could lead to a popped tire on the road, leaving your driver stuck for hours on end or even cause them to lose control of the truck due to the blowout. Addressing these regular maintenance items will boost efficiency and save time in the long run.

Invest in add-ons

During times of global crisis, the supply chain can change at a moment’s notice. Add-ons such as a brokerage provider integration can help keep the lines of communication open with your customers and help you keep track of where the loads are and when they will arrive. With demand high, and lives on the line while carrying freight like medical supplies, these up-to-the-moment notices can be key in providing your team and customers with the proper support.

Driving demand

There’s no doubt about it — the trucking industry is a key player in combating this global crisis. Delivering everything from medical supplies, to food to other e-commerce purchases for those in quarantine, the country is demanding quite a bit from our fleets. By staying organized and using helpful telematics tools, fleet managers and owners will be able to meet this challenge with the knowledge they need to make smart decisions. Staying in constant communication with drivers and customers will also help manage expectations and make sure everyone is on the same page.